Help Us Honor the Crews of Rhino & Gecko at the 2026 AUSA / NSA SOF Social

This year's SOF Social will be held on Tuesday, October 13 , 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Prost DC during the AUSA Annual Meeting.

As we commemorate the 25th Anniversary of September 11, 2001, this year's event will honor the crews and personnel who participated in Objectives Rhino and Gecko, two of the earliest and most historic special operations missions of Operation Enduring Freedom, conducted just 38 days after the attacks of 9/11.

Mark Johnson, Rick Zampelli, Kevin Cochie, and I, along with the outstanding team from NSA Old Dominion Chapter (NSA-ODC-NOVA), are helping organize this year's event. We expect it to be one of the largest SOF Socials we've held, and we want to ensure that the men and women who were part of those historic operations know they are welcome and encouraged to attend.

First, if you know any of the aircrews, Rangers, special operators, or other personnel who participated in Objectives Rhino or Gecko, please reach out to them personally and make sure they receive an invitation. We undoubtedly don't have every name or current contact information, and we'd appreciate your help spreading the word so we can recognize as many of these veterans as possible.

Second, because we anticipate a larger turnout this year, we're looking for additional sponsors to help offset the cost of the event. If your company, employer, or someone in your network may be interested, we'd greatly appreciate the introduction or your help sharing the opportunity.

One additional note. Many of you knew CW5 Karl Maier, whose leadership and service left a lasting impact on our Regiment and the special operations community. Karl's interment at Arlington National Cemetery is scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, at 11:00 a.m. While that ceremony will occur the same day, we plan to raise a glass and honor Karl's life and legacy during the SOF Social as well.

Thank you in advance for helping us recognize the crews of Rhino and Gecko, remember the sacrifices made in the aftermath of 9/11, and celebrate the incredible community that continues to define the Night Stalker Family.

I hope to see all of you there.

Dan Wagner
Vice President
Night Stalker Association - Old Dominion Chapter - Northern Virginia